Local Navigation Warning

Port of Gippsland Lakes & Port of Snowy River

Location:  East Gippsland river catchments

DATE:  06 JAN 2022 DETAILS: Mariners are advised that rainfall totals over the last 24hrs as of 0600 hours today have been recorded in the river catchment areas of East Gippsland as follows;

• 80 – 115mm Tambo River Catchment
• 60 – 100mm Mitchell River Catchment

The rainfall is causing rises in the Tambo and Mitchell Rivers which may cause flooding within the catchments resulting in run off through the Gippsland Lakes systems. The Snowy River has recorded 30 – 50mm which may cause flooding in that catchment affecting the Port of Snowy River (Marlo) The Ports and Waterways that this warning covers include:

• Port of Gippsland Lakes
• Port of Snowy River (Marlo)

Gippsland Ports will monitor forecast advice from Bureau of Meteorology and check on River heights for further Warnings and Notices. Mariners are reminded that debris caused by flood water including large trees and timbers may find its way downstream and affect the safe navigation of vessels within the East Gippsland River and lake systems. Mariners should take extra precaution if it is necessary to operate vessels in rivers and creeks following rain events and be aware of the possible presence of new debris hazards. Vessel owners and operators should ensure that berthed or moored vessels are properly secured.   For information on weather and rising flood water levels go to; http://www.bom.gov.au/ Gippsland Ports recommends downloading the VicEmergency App. Gippsland Ports strongly advises against the operation of vessels in flood affected waters or driving vehicles through flood water. For the Gippsland Lakes, Mariners are advised that floodwaters from the catchment areas of the entire lakes system can only exit through the ocean entrance to the Gippsland Lakes. Floodwater increases the velocity of the flow of the ebb tide in the navigable channels near Lakes Entrance and the Entrance Channel and causes heightened safety risk when attempting Bar crossings. Please contact Gippsland Ports on 0351 500 500 to report navigation hazards.